Out since April 8 following thumb surgery, Josh Hamilton is off the disabled list and back in the Angels’ starting lineup for tonight’s game against the Astros.

J.B. Shuck initially took over as the primary left fielder in Hamilton’s absence, but when he struggled the Angels turned to converted infielder Grant Green to handle the position and he’s hit .361 in 21 games.

Hamilton’s return was delayed when he bruised his thumb while rehabbing in the minors, but he ended up going 6-for-13 (.462) with two doubles in three rehab games.

Hamilton, who signed a five-year, $125 million contract with the Angels last offseason, has hit .259 with 23 homers and a .764 OPS since the deal while playing 159 of a possible 218 games.

Grant Green may want to stay prepared. After Hamilton’s setback and only playing 2 rehab games, he declared he was ready to return. I wonder if 2 rehab games after a rehab setback is enough play to determine the thumb really was good to go or if he is impatient to return and thus apt to reinjure the thumb because he didn’t play enough rehab games to give it a good stress test.

One of the worst signings in modern day free agency, regardless of the sport.
Look, I was rooting for the guy when he was beating down personal demons. But since signing
with Anaheim, it’s Christmas every day for the guy.